Bodum Assam Tea Press, 34-Ounce, Black

Product Description

Tea and the British seem to be inseparable in our perception of English culture. When BODUM was asked by the British Tea Council to develop a new way of brewing tea we were rather proud. We set out with the goal to make an innovation in tea drinking and the simple BODUM tea-brewing system was born: boil water, place your preferred tea leaves in the BPA free filter, pour in the hot water, let steep 3-4 min. or to your preferred taste and press down the plunger. The brewing process has stopped - no need to remove the filter - no mess - no burned fingers, only the true unforgettable and delicious taste of your preferred tea. The clear glass makes the infusion visible at all times, making it a very attractive table piece. Everything can go in the dishwasher, the jug (without the rod and lid) can go in the microwave.






CUSTOMER REVIEW



I like this teapot, but there are some exceptions. The good: It's very nice looking, and doesn't drip when you pour. The bad: You have to have the brewing chamber inside the pot to have the lid on (they fit together). The brewing chamber is plastic and eventually stains. The handle is not supported by anything; it's glued on. I'm kind of terrified that one day it'll pop off as I'm carrying an enormous pot of tea, but so far it hasn't happened. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt on this one, but I still cringe every time I put weight on the handle.

Hamilton Beach 40870 Stainless Steel 10-Cup Electric Kettle

CUSTOMER REVIEW



So after spending a little over a week searching for a suitable kettle I have definitely found the perfect match. I recently received a 6 cup teapot and wanted to keep it in my room along with an electric kettle to replace going into the kitchen and brewing cup after cup of tea.



My criteria

- Stainless steel with as little plastic contact as possible.

- Hidden heating element.

- Simple functions, the less bells and whistles the less to break

- Good spout

- Inexpensively priced.



What I like about this kettle:

- It met all my criteria.

- After brewing and discarding 4 kettle fulls there is no discernible aftertaste.

- No plastic contact inside, there is a plastic water level but it isn't in direct contact with the largest body of water in the kettle. Also, the tube for the boiling shut off is made from stainless as well, not plastic which is really nice.

- Is real metal not just plasticy coated metal imitator I saw on a few of the models.

- The inside bottom is a stainless plate with the heating element underneath making clean up easy.

- The outside bottom is plastic and gets warm not burning hot so it can be placed onto a surface.

- Slides onto the base easily.

- Auto shutoff works well.



What worries me: I say worries because it isn't a problem right now but may be a few months down the line.

- The lid opens with a button which if it breaks could potentially be a problem, not to fill the kettle as the spout provides adequate room to fill it with, but to clean it.

- After two brews i took the little filter out. I am using it only to heat water and only with filtered water so to me it seems unnecessary.

- The switch at the bottom, it doesn't seem flimsy per say but it does seem to be a little loose, its not a push button so I worry it may give out.



Duh, or common sense things that people seem to have an issue with:

- It gets hot. Yes. It's supposed to. Since the body is stainless steel, which is a good conductor of heat, it will be hot. The handle provides ample room to grab though.

- It will be heavy if completely full. Yes, water in larger amounts does get heavy. The kettle itself isn't much heaver than a standard coffee carafe so it should not add much to the overall weight.

- It can be a bit loud. Its boiling water, the kettle doesn't have any sound or heat insulation so yes you will be able to hear it. Honestly for me its not really a bother. The kettle sits on its own table next to my desk and I find it kind of soothing. Plus if I am heating water for green tea or white tea I can listen in and shut it off before it comes full boil.

- Along those lines, if you leave water in it for some time yes the water will cool. It is not a warmer nor is it a thermos that will keep it to the same temperature all day.



Overall:

I am very satisfied with this product. I have already recommended it to several people and it has been serving me well. Its not a fancy appliance so it does its job and doesn't require a tremendous effort on my part which was exactly what I was looking for.

Cuisinart CPK-17 PerfecTemp 1.7-Liter Stainless Steel Cordless Electric Kettle

CUSTOMER REVIEW



This kettle is everything you could want! I use it mostly for french press coffee, but my guests have used it for various kinds of tea, instant oatmeal, or hot chocolate with great success.



I did a lot of research on these kettles, and I found that the one thing to avoid was kettles with plastic insides. Every single one with plastic innards had comments about plastic taste in the water. Stainless and glass interiors didn't have this problem, but glass was more susceptable to scale buildup. So I went with stainless. There aren't many of these kettles with stainless insides, and the ones there are are generally more expensive. I looked at the Breville and some others, but they were simply too much money. This one, while not cheap, offered a great feature set, accurate temperatures, stainless interior, good controls, unobstrusive base, and pretty nice aesthetics.



The kettle is easy to fill, solidly built, and heats water very fast. It finishes its heat cycle with an authoritative BEEP that I can hear from the next room as I watch Sports Center. Another bonus is that even once it has reached temperature, it will keep the water at that temperature for up to 30 minutes, so if I'm busy doing something else, my kettle can wait until I get there, and my water isn't too cold or too hot! The most important thing about a good cup of french press coffee, besides the beans, is the temperature of the water.



The base is very minimal and you don't even notice it when the kettle is sitting on it, it looks like one piece of the kettle. The controls are easy to reach while holding the kettle by the handle, and the little LED light on the water level indicator is bright and helps you see the water level in a dimly lit early morning kitchen. It also automatically shuts off after a bit if the kettle heat has been turned off. The kettle will turn off automatically after a certain amount of time, but it also is easy to turn off once you've poured out your needed water by pressing the "keep warm" button again.



Cleaning is as easy as making a water/white vinegar mixture and letting the kettle boil for 10-15 minutes, then rinsing it out a few times. This removes lime scale deposits and calcification.



For the build quality, looks, features, and performance, I can't rate this kettle high enough! Look no further!

Keurig K350 2.0 Brewer, Black

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I love the Keurig brewers but this machine is a big disappointment to me due to the fact that it completely controls and dictates what kcups you can and can't use with it. It absolutely won't accept the inserts so you can use your favorite brand of coffee; it won't accept many of the kcups currently on the market that actually may be one of your favorites (like Tim Horton, Gevalia, SanFrancisco Bay, Cameron's, etc) because they have not been approved by Keurig even though they will work in all the brewers by Keurig up until this 2.0 model and won't even accept Keurig approved Kcups purchased before about July since it will only accept those who say Keurig Brewed on the top of the cup. This brewer reads the lids - I was told if I put an "older" approved kcup in the machine it would say "oops" and I could call their 800# presumably to be able to be talked through an option that might let me use one of their approved coffees. This feels like a giant control effort to prevent people from enjoying their brewers unless you also use their coffees. Sooooo - if you happen to like a brand of coffee they don't approve of you will have to choose between their new brewer and all it has to offer or your coffee. I chose my coffee; there are a good many brewers that will still let me use my favorite brand of kcup that I don't need their new brewer. And given time, I expect the other coffee makers will also offer what this one does (like the option of making either a single cup of coffee or a 4 cup carafe of coffee with their new kcup size) without dictating what coffee you enjoy in it. It seems that Keurig would prefer to sell these brewers to anyone who wants one, while enjoying the approved coffee to those who choose to drink it, or will actually let people enjoy their brewer and their favorite coffee even if Keurig doesn't approve of their coffee. I expect there will be others who did what I did - bought the machine only to realize this after I got it home and quickly realized I'd have to give up my favorite coffee to keep it, or throw out 95% of the kcups I had that were purchased before about July of this year. I returned it - don't tell me what coffee I can like, Keurig - the other makers of single serve brewers that accept your kcups don't tell me what I have to like to use their brewers. They will be the ones who sell their brewers while yours get returned and they will be glad to let me enjoy my favorite coffee in them.

Nespresso Pixie Espresso Maker With Aeroccino Plus Milk Frother, Electric Titan

CUSTOMER REVIEW



Vine Customer Review of Free Product (What's this?) The Pixie has got to be the smallest and most portable single-serve coffee machine on the market. It has so much going for it! Like other Nespresso machines, this Pixie produces a top-notch coffee product. This particular model offers a milk frother alongside the coffee maker--and that is a real plus. The two together cost less than if purchased separately.



All things considered: The Pixie works every bit as well as the older and larger (but not much larger) CitiZ and the newest "kid on the block", the Nespresso U. The Pixie has a smaller water well. It also has a smaller compartment for spent capsules. In my experience that does not matter. In fact, it's probably better. You should start with fresh water as often as possible and it's easy and quick to dump spent capsules.



I think the whole line of Nespresso machines are far better than Tassimo and Kuerig machines. The Nespresso machines are better designed: They work quicker and quieter; have a smaller footprint and are less bulky; are much better looking, and, most importantly, the quality and variety of the espresso blends cannot be beat. I haven't tried the new Starbuck's machine, but I do know this Pixie is smaller and has a lot more style.



Our first Nespresso machine was a CitiZ and it still sits proudly on our kitchen counter. The Pixie was just being introduced when we bought our CitiZ several years ago. We ended up with the CitiZ because it came in a color that better matched the style of our century-old house. But I've always thought the Pixie was awfully cute and stylish. And who doesn't consider a smaller footprint a plus?



YOU CAN STOP READING HERE: While the above paragraphs sum up my opinion briefly, you can keep reading for more information. Sorry, but I found it hard to streamline this review--after all, I've purchased (and dumped) three Tassimo machines; I purchased and use the Nespresso CitiZ and the Latissima on a daily basis; I own a single-serve Gaggia by illy that sees very little use lately; I acquired a Jura ENA Uno about four months ago, and it daily provides us with freshly ground and brewed beans (we buy Peet's beans), and last, but not least, I've also acquired a Nespresso U with an Aeroccino frother. I'm thinking I've got some experience upon which I base my opinions.



MORE ON THE PIXIE:

--I don't know why this impresses me, but there is a white backlighting (around the spent capsule compartment) that I think is way, way cool. Plus, the backlighting allows you to safely grab your hot coffee in the dark. If you're low on water, the light shines red.

--The Pixie doesn't drip when it's done pouring like the CitiZ and Latissima models tend to do.

--The Pixie is basically portable: Being small and light-weight, having a cord that tucks away and a handle that doubles as the inserter lever, this little guy is easy to transport. You are going to be able to take your favorite coffee with you on a road trip--now that is a very exciting thought!

--Water heats up hotter in the Pixie (than in the CitiZ). Some people think this is important. I'm not one of them--no matter how hot the coffee is, I think it is very important to heat the cup first. (A very simple thing to do: Add hot tap water to the cup and let it sit in the sink a minute; but, yes, it is still another step to accomplish during your morning rush-hour routine before you leave for work.)

--The platform that your cup sits on is a bit cumbersome. It folds up for tall cups, but it's your cup that actually holds the platform up and out of the way. You could consider it a design flaw or maybe it adds to its compactness and portability. This only matters if you like to make fancy concoctions once in a while, forcing the use of a taller cup. (Sometimes I like to pour through some whipped cream or add a shot of something boozy.)



REGARDING THE AEROCCINO: For the difference in price between a Pixie with or without this stand-alone milk frother, you really should buy the combo. Several years ago when I first investigated this frother, it was valued at nearly a hundred dollars--so there is great value in purchasing it along with the espresso machine. It's a great little gadget: It has a beautiful shiny metal outside surface that is very substantial; it is quiet; it is quick; it produces beautiful soft foam; the handle is strong and easy on the hand, and because it has a high quality non-stick inner surface, it is easy to clean by simply rinsing it out. Its downfalls: The base is lightweight and will not grip a counter top; the heavy electric cord is adequately long, but excess cord can't be hid in the base, and the worst offense: The spout will leave you with a drip every time. In comparison to the Starbuck's model, this frother is made of a high quality, beautiful metal; the Starbuck's is black plastic.



COMPARED WITH THE LATISSIMA MILK FROTH: I like the froth created by the Latissima better than the froth from the Aeroccino. The Latissima foam is finer and thicker, and it is ADJUSTABLE. I also like the fact that the milk container on the Latissima can be easily disengaged from the machine and stored in the frig. There is no waste and clean-up is accomplished with a few seconds push of a button; only enough milk is sucked through the machine per serving. In a morning rush, it is easier to set the container of unused milk back in the frig. If you want easy cleaning with The Aeroccino, the residue milk has to be rinsed before you leave the house.



LET'S DISCUSS COFFEE: After all, the machine is just a vessel for the end result. And if the coffee that is made for the machine isn't great, then why even look at the machine. The coffee in the Nespresso pods is superb. It's way better than anything available from Tassimo or Kuerig.



It's been several years since we switched from a Tassimo machine to a Nespresso machine. (If you want to hear about why I totally dislike Tassimo, ask me and I'll be happy to elaborate.) At the time of the switch, we were used to drinking large-size cups of coffee. So we felt we were taking a chance on the Nespresso blends--not knowing if we'd be able to tolerate the change from a big cup of brew to just a few sips. But the change has been effortless and so rewarding: Because the coffee is so smooth and rich, it is easier and more satisfying to relish a few sips rather than big gulps of average-tasting coffee. We really didn't know what we were missing.



If you think you like more mild coffee and think that espresso will be too strong for you--then you think like I did. And I was wrong, and there is no reason to be afraid of Nespresso expresso and lungo (long cups--still pretty small): This great coffee is not bitter; it has a variety of fragrances, and feel, and flavors in each sip--and I've found that I am now leaning towards the more "intense" blends. With the Pixie there are two buttons to choose how much water you want to pass through each disc, and they are easily programmable, which offers you an infinite variety of strengths. Now I find that I prefer to go along with the pre-programmed amount of water for each blend. After all, the recommendations come from experts and they know what they're doing!



Nespresso has a lineup of 16 blends (plus there are special blends offered throughout the year). The blends by Tassimo and Kuerig cannot compare. It might have something to do with the fact that the Nespresso pods are made of aluminum and keep the ground coffee fresher than the others which are all made of plastic or maybe the Tassimo and Kuerig product is made to suit less savvy, less experienced coffee drinkers. I can't offer a comparison between the Nespresso and Starbuck pods, because I've not tried the Starbucks' Verismo system yet. I can say that Starbuck pods are more expensive than Nespresso pods, and there are way fewer choices. Regarding the "green-ness" of the pods: Nespresso's are recyclable and the others are not.



If anyone is interested in more details of the 16 Nespresso Grand Crus: Nespresso uses about 95% Arabica and 5% Robusta in its blends. Their beans come from Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Kenya, Ethiopia and India. Blending, roasting and grinding are all variables that enter into creation of a particular flavor blend. Investigating the blends, it is obvious that most of the beans come from Central and South America, Nespresso does not have a blend that features Kenyan Arabica beans--and that is my only dissatisfaction with the Nespresso lineup. We love Kenyan coffee and own a Jura ENA Uno machine so that we can brew our favorite Kenyan coffee from Peet's on the West Coast. It is interesting to note that the Starbucks' Verismo system does not offer a Kenyan pod at this time. I've got more info on the different Grand Crus--just ask me; I'll keep an eye on this review.



You don't give up any flavor by using the convenience of a Grand Cru capsule. And don't think that the capsules "cost too much": You want great coffee? You're going to have to pay for it. Amen. It doesn't matter if you grind your own or buy it in capsule form. In fact, I pay more cup-for-cup when I grind my own.



Two other things: Nespresso augments their 16 regular blends with a special, limited-time-only blend about three times a year. And it is very, very easy to buy the capsules. They are available online at nespresso.com. The ordering process is simple, the product is always fresh, customer service efficient and pleasant, and shipment is quick, quick.



If someone tells me the Nespresso capsules do not produce the "best espresso you'll ever have", I ask them where to get a better one: If they're being completely honest, the answer will not be "I get a better espresso at home", not unless that person is an expert with a very expensive machine.



One last thought on the capsules: The jewel-toned, aluminum capsules are a visual treat. The capsules are like little gems, little bon-bons. They are truly beautiful to look at. While it is surely not the most important point to be made about the 16 Grand Cru, I always like to remember to use all my senses when drinking coffee.



UPDATE September 2013: Looking at the Nespresso website, I see there are now 21 Grand Cru, and what's really neat: There is a carrying case for the Pixie.

Melitta 46894A 10-Cup Thermal Programmable Coffeemaker with Frustration Free Packaging

CUSTOMER REVIEW



As a person who considers himself a bit of a coffee connoisseur, I would like to shed some light on criticisms I found to be consistent amongst the less glowing reviews. I think some people who purchased this machine are a bit unfamiliar with the advantages versus traditional (glass carafe) brewers. They are mistaking some of the positives for negatives. I hope this helps current and potential buyers, as for the price (or even for more money) you'd be hard-pressed to find anything better. Allow me to explain...



STAINLESS STEEL CARAFE: A double insulated carafe (as found on the Melitta) serves to keep the coffee warm without a warming plate following the brewing cycle. Though the coffee does lose heat over time, you will not lose any taste. Glass carafes require a warming plate that keeps coffee at a consistent temperature by essentially cooking it. In other words, your coffee will taste horrible not long after the brewing cycle has finished. Imagine keeping your coffee on a low-flame stove burner all morning!



COFFEE TEMPERATURE: There is an accepted optimal brewing temperature for coffee of between 195-205°F. The Melitta is designed with this in mind. Other coffee makers are not. If you brew coffee at too high a temperature, you cook and over-extract the grinds. This results in a bitter taste.



FILTER BASKET: This is a cone-shaped basket instead of the more common flat-bottomed basket. The cone shape allows the water to contact the grounds for longer and create a fuller brew. Also, it is highly advisable to use unbleached paper filters versus reusable mesh ones. The paper filters absorb much of the acidity resulting in a smoother tasting coffee. Having used the permanent gold-tone filters in the past, I can say from experience they simply don't work as well.

Hamilton Beach 48465 Brewstation Summit Ultra 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I was in the market for a new coffeemaker, and I really wanted to try a Brewstation. The Summit Ultra seemed to be the best available with it's sleek design and 12 cup capacity. I see a lot of people negatively commenting on the supposed design flaw of this machine - the spout being too close to the back of the machine, thus coffee spills down the outside of you mug or cup. Well, after much online and in-store investigation of this product I bought it! And am very pleased with it. Yes, the first time I used it there was some spillage down the back of the mug. It's just a matter of having the coffeemaker placed against the backsplash on your counter and getting the feel of how to press your mug against the bar. My coffeemaker's bar is firm but not hard to push. I've used several types of mugs, cups and travel mugs. Approach the machine straight on (not on an angle). I press the lip of my mug against the bottom-most portion of the bar so I can actually see the coffee dispensing into the mug. Yes, it dispenses onto the inner side of your mug, but if you can keep your hand steady for 5 seconds you should have no back spillage. I agree that the dispenser should have been placed out a few millimeters, but again, I stress I have no problem with it. Being able to keep hot, fresh coffee for up to 4 hours is an awesome feature, as we have several people in our household who get up at different times in the morning. I just set the timer at night and in the morning the aroma of coffee brewing can't be beat! It's easy to clean; just take the filter basket out and then the holder, rinse them in your sink and either let them drip dry on the counter or just place them back in the machine and leave the lid open for a few hours. They fit together easily. Wipe down the front of the machine and the drip tray daily and you have a beautiful, sleek, well-made product on your countertop. The only negative I could give this product is that I wish it came with a goldtone reusable filter. That would have given it 5 stars for me! Amazon has the most competitive price of this product, but if you have a 20% off coupon there are a few other stores where you could find it a bit cheaper.